Logisim: a graphical tool for designing and simulating logic circuits

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Libraries

This section contains libraries of components that can be imported into Logisim. If you have your own library of components that you think would be useful to others, I'll be happy to post a link here to a hosting Web site or to the library itself.

7400 series Logisim library from Ben Oztalay (ZIP, uncompressed)

A set of Logisim circuits corresponding to a large number of 7400-series chips, produced by Ben Oztalay. The pin layout matches the 7400 IC layouts. (2011, released into public domain).

7400 series Logisim library from Technological Services Company (ZIP, uncompressed)

A set of Logisim circuits corresponding to a large number of 7400-series chips, produced by Technological Services Company. The pin layout has inputs on the left, outputs on the right. (Copyright 2005, released under the GPL).

Gray Counter example (JAR)
The JAR library described in the Logisim User's Guide for version 2.3.0 and later.
Incrementer example (JAR)
The outdated JAR library described in the Logisim User's Guide prior to version 2.3.0. Compatible with versions Logisim 2.0 Beta 20 and later. The class name is com.cburch.incr.Components.

Free graphical tools

My hope is that some day some other software developers out there will create something that in my view renders Logisim irrelevant. So I occasionally browse the competition to see whether that day has come. Here's a list of links, and you can judge for yourself.

  • Digital Works 2.0 is Windows freeware. It is a fairly complete package, but it is no longer under development. I no longer know where one can download a copy. 18 Jul 2007.
  • HADES is a Java-based tool, which is available at no cost but does not appear to be open-source. The simulation and library functionality is quite extensive, but the interface is on the awkward side. 18 Jul 2007
  • JLS is a Java-based tool that is available at no cost from the author but is not open-source or freeware. It doesn't simulate circuits as you build them, but its simulation capabilities are more extensive than Logisim's. 18 Jul 2007
  • Logisim is an open source Java tool. Of course, I think it's the best choice. 18 Jul 2007
  • MultiMedia Logic is open source Windows software; It doesn't seem to support hierarchical circuits or wire bundling, so it's quite limited as far as designing CPU-scale circuits, but it does provide a fun set of I/O components. 18 Jul 2007
  • TkGate is open source software. It's probably the most legitimate no-cost competitor to Logisim: It's simulation facilities seem quite sound, though the interface strikes me as rather awkward. It requires tcl/tk to run; it can run on Windows if you have Cygwin installed. 18 Jul 2007
  • xLogicCircuits is my favorite among the bare-bones Java applets. It has some utility if you're spending one or two weeks introducing students to the subject. 18 Jul 2007
  • Other alternatives I have investigated, but which don't yet seem have much to recommend them:

You might also find my more exhaustive outdated list useful. Maybe.

Commercial graphical tools

  • Digital Works 3.0 is a commercial Windows product; I have not tried it, but presumably it is more thorough than Digital Works 2.0, which was already good. It does not seem to be under active development. 18 Jul 2007
  • LogicWorks is a Windows-specific commercial product also, but it seems more likely to receive continuing support. I have not tried it, but it seems like a thorough system. It includes some support for incorporating VHDL specifications. 18 Jul 2007
  • Others:
    • EasySim, commercial Windows
    • LOCAD, commercial(?) Windows, in German

Text-based tools